PHOENIX, AZ.- From New York to New Mexico: Masterworks of American Modernism from the Vilcek Foundation Collection opened at Phoenix Art Museum on June 7, 2015. The exhibition includes 65 objects of American modernism spanning more than fifty years by notable artists like Stuart Davis, Arthur Dove, Marsden Hartley and Georgia O’Keeffe. The subject matter ranges from the skyscrapers of New York City to the adobe homes of the American Southwest. These objects are on loan from the Vilcek Foundation in New York that was started by Marica and Jan Vilcek, immigrants from the former Czechoslovakia. With success in their respective careers in art history and biomedical science, the Vilceks are collectors of American modernism artworks. To complement the exhibition more than 30 paintings and sculpture of modernist American art from Phoenix Art Museum’s collection also are on display.

All the paintings, drawings and sculpture that make up this exhibition help show visitors the American response to European modernism. During this time period American artists began making abstract styles their own by using American subjects in their works. This exhibition explores four themes of American Modernism including nature’s great unfolding, town and country, the cubist impulse and our western roots.

“Modernists are known for their daring and bold compositions that break from academic traditions, and we are fortunate to bring to Phoenix so many strong examples by leading artists,” said Jerry Smith, curator of American and European art to 1950 and art of the American West at Phoenix Art Museum. “Most of these works have rarely been shown publicly,” added Smith. “Marica and Jan Vilcek and the Vilcek Foundation are well known and admired for their support of the arts, and our community will benefit through their desire to have their outstanding art collection travel the country for people to enjoy,” said Amada Cruz, The Sybil Harrington Director at Phoenix Art Museum. Cruz added, “This exhibition continues Phoenix Art Museum’s long history of collecting and exhibiting innovative American modernism.”

From New York to New Mexico: Masterworks of American Modernism from the Vilcek Foundation Collection is at Phoenix Art Museum from June 7 to September 7, 2015. This exhibition is organized by The Philbrook Museum of Art.